Page 34 of Death and Desire

His abrupt transition left her spinning. “Not until you tell me why I’mreallyhere.”

“When the time is right, I shall reveal everything. Now go bathe.” Anubis retreated from the room, the door closing behind him with athud.

Violet searched the room for something to hurl at the door. Surely the satisfaction of hearing something shatter would improve her mood. Alas, there was nothing but the gurgling pool with soft warm linens beside it.

She quickly pulled the delicate gown from her body and stepped into the water. Warmth tingled, drawing her deeper into its soothing embrace. When she dropped beneath the surface, it was as though her whole body were alight with pulsing heat. It sank deep into her, touching her very soul.

Breaking the surface, she sighed at the delightful sensations surrounding her. No bath...nopoolhad ever been as relaxing as this. She lounged against the edge and closed her eyes.

Nothing about this situation made any sense. There was no rhyme or reason to the things she’d experienced in his presence.

Perhaps she was dreaming.

Surely this couldn’t be real.

None of this was real.

It was a dream, she assured herself as she stepped reluctantly from the water and wrapped herself in a clean linen. Her hair would never dry like this. She wrapped it in another linen and let the edges trail down her bare back. If only she had something to untangle her hair...

A golden comb appeared on a small table beside her.

When she unbound her hair and drew the comb through it, it glided through the thick curls effortlessly.

That settled it. This was a dream. Anyone with long, curly hair would agree.

When she searched the room for clothing, she found only a set of what looked like silk pajamas. She pulled them on and sighed at how the texture of the fabric felt against her body.

Retreating the way she’d come, Violet located the bedroom in which she’d awoken. It lay empty. Frowning, she plopped onto the plump mattress.

Anubis wasn’t here. Why in the blazes was she disappointed by his absence?

“I brought you something to eat.”

Violet’s heart jumped at the sound of his voice. He stood before her, holding a tray laden with fruits, cheeses, and bread heavy with thick, dark jam, a goblet sitting beside the plate. He set the feast on the nightstand.

“Time is of no consequence here, but hunger is?” Violet shifted beneath his scrutiny.

“No, but you still must eat.”

Half tempted to ignore the delicious morsels on principle, Violet knew this was not a battle to wage with a deity. Defiant, she glared at him, plucked a grape from the plate, and popped it into her mouth. The sweetness burst on her tongue, and she moaned in appreciation. She gathered the cluster in her hand, continuing to eat in silence.

“Does this form make you uncomfortable?” Anubis’s question broke the stillness.

She shook her head.

“But you prefer my human form?”

“It’s less intimidating.” She ate another grape.

“Would you feel more relaxed if I resumed that form?”

“I would feel more relaxed if I were in my bed at the hotel in Cairo.”

“All in due course.” Anubis straightened, his body flexing, his muscles tensing. “Rest.”

When he turned to leave, panic seized her at the thought of being alone. Violet bolted off the bed, grabbing his wrist. Her jeweled bracelet warmed as it brushed his thigh.

Anubis turned slowly, his gaze coming to rest on her hand clasped around his wrist. She stroked the back of his clawed hand with her thumb. Soft and warm, like satin in the sunlight.

---